Nov 18, Colombo: Police curfew has been imposed in several areas in the Galle District until 9.00am Saturday (18) due to a tense situation, Police headquarters said in a statement.

According to the statement, police curfew has been imposed in Welipitimodara, Maha Hapugala, Rukwatta, Ginthota (East and West) Piyandigama and Kurunduwatta Grama Sevaka Divisions.

The Police statement said the IGP has issued instructions to senior police officers to control the situation and the curfew was imposed in order to control a tense situation prevailing in the area and to restore normalcy.

Under the IGP's directions over 200 police officers and over 100 Special Task Force (STF) officers have been deployed.

The Police have arrested seven people suspected of inciting the tensions.

According to media reports, several houses and shops have been attacked by angry mobs in the Gintota area.